In his golden years, jeweler will retire

The store will close at the beginning of next year. By DENISE DICK VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF NILES -- He and his employees have been robbed twice at gunpoint. His store's safe has been cracked twice and has guided many city residents through some major life events. Now Edwin Doubet is closing the doors on Doubet's Jewelers for good. "When you get to be my age -- I'm 80 -- you can't go on forever," Doubet said. "I'm just going to quit." Doubet hung signs from the awnings of the South Main Street store announcing the closing at the beginning of next year. The business has been at its Main Street location for about 50 years and has been operating in the city for about 86 years. Doubet's father, Leon, opened in the city after moving the family from Youngstown. Significant events: He's seen many customers through their most significant life events. "I sold some people their high school rings, their engagement rings and their 25th anniversary rings," Doubet said. "I've been here that long." He says it's trust that kept customers coming back to the jewelry and gift store. "People would rather trust a little store rather than a big store at the mall," Doubet said. "If I say something, they can trust me." Doubet isn't sure how he'll spend his new-found free time, but he'll probably sell the building. During his time in business, the store's safe has been cracked twice and the shop has also been held up two times. One of those times, he chased the gunmen, toting a gun of his own, and attempted to return fire. The bullets were rusty, though, and the weapon wouldn't fire. During the other robbery, Doubet's wife, Jeanne, slipped the rings off her fingers and into her mouth to hide them from the thieves. "I thought that was pretty smart," he said. Daughter hurt: The only person injured during any of the store's brushes with the criminal element was his daughter. "She ran out the back, slipped and fell and cut her leg," Doubet said. "I had to take her to the hospital." The Main Street site is the fourth location for the store. The first was on State Street and the other two both were also on Main. "Those buildings all burned down," Doubet said. "In those days there used to be stores all over the place. It used to be like Salem is now." dick@vindy.com